Introduction
Every artist’s journey begins with a spark - a moment of connection between imagination and experience. For this Lagos-born visual storyteller, that spark was nurtured amid the vibrant culture and deep spiritual traditions of the Egun people in Badagry. His father’s early encouragement and his community’s rich heritage laid the foundation for an artistic path that speaks to both the past and the present.
In this conversation, he reflects on how culture, identity, and memory continue to shape his artistic expression. From the symbolic use of color to his exploration of generational trauma and resilience, his work stands at the intersection of personal narrative and collective history. Through art, he channels love, pride, and hope - transforming pain into power and tradition into timeless beauty.
Artist Bio:
Sejiro Paul Mesewaku is a Nigerian painter and sculptor from the coastal town of Badagry, Lagos. Born in 2000, his passion for art was nurtured from an early age under the guidance of his father. His talent became evident during his high school years, where he actively participated in numerous art competitions and earned recognition, including a top prize at the PEEKOK Youth Art Initiative.
In 2018, he completed an intensive one-year training at the renowned Universal Art Studio in Lagos. During this period, he honed his distinctive artistic style and developed a deep connection to his preferred mediums. Eager to expand his knowledge and refine his craft, he pursued a formal education in Fine Art at the prestigious Yaba College of Technology in Lagos.
Today, Sejiro Paul continues to create compelling works that reflect his rich cultural heritage and personal experiences. Based in Badagry, he works as a full-time artist, using his practice to explore themes of identity, tradition, and the human experience.
Q and A segment with Sejiro Paul Mesewaku
Q:How did your artistic journey start, and how did your upbringing shape your understanding of art?
A: My artistic journey began in Badagry, Lagos, a place rich with culture, spirituality, and history. Growing up among the Egun people, I was constantly surrounded by symbols of tradition and craftsmanship that told stories about who we are and where we come from. My father was my first influence - he recognized my interest early and encouraged me to draw, sculpt, and explore my imagination.
I participated in art competitions during school, and those experiences gave me confidence in my voice. But what truly shaped me was realizing that art could speak about identity, pain, and resilience. That understanding guided my decision to take art beyond a hobby - to make it my life’s work.
Q: How does your work reflect your identity, heritage, or worldview?
A: My work is deeply tied to my Egun heritage and the history of my people. I use art as a way to speak about survival, spirituality, and the emotional scars left by the Atlantic slave trade. One of the strongest elements in my art is the use of blue on important parts of the human body - like the legs, hands, mouth, nose, and ears. Blue, to me, represents strength, vitality, and divine energy - the essential parts of the body that connect us to action, movement, expression, and perception.
The patches on the human body in my paintings symbolize the struggles of the Egun people during slavery - when they were unable to feed on their farmlands, and when their mouths were metaphorically locked, silencing their voices. My art is a reflection of both physical and spiritual captivity. Through these symbols, I honor their resilience while telling stories of pain, endurance, and hope.
Title: Atlantiic Slave Trade
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https://tribbbal.com/post/125574_atlantic-slave-trade.html
Q: How did formal art education refine your unique style and preferred mediums?
A: My formal art education at Yaba College of Technology gave me the foundation I needed to evolve technically and conceptually. It helped me experiment with different mediums, from painting to sculpture, and understand how to express deeper narratives through color and form. My earlier training at Universal Art Studio in Lagos was equally important because it taught me discipline and how to merge traditional ideas with contemporary expression. Education didn’t change my voice; it helped me strengthen it.
Q: How do you balance themes of love, culture, optimism, pride, and exposure in your art?
A: All of these themes come from the same emotional space - a desire to tell stories that heal and connect. I often start a piece by thinking about love or pride, then layer it with the cultural and emotional realities of my people. I use color and texture to balance emotion and symbolism. The optimism in my work comes from the belief that even in pain, there is beauty, and in history, there is wisdom.
Title: Hope for the young
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https://tribbbal.com/post/125625_hope-for-the-young.html
Q: What sets your art apart from others in your field or generation?
A:My art stands out because it merges the sacred with the historical, the personal with the communal. I explore cultural storytelling using symbolic colors, expressive textures, and human forms that carry both emotion and mystery. The connection between my Egun identity and my contemporary expression gives my art a voice that feels both rooted and universal. Every piece carries a message that invites reflection on identity, survival, and unity.
Q: How do you see your work contributing to contemporary Nigerian art?
A: I see my work as part of a growing movement of Nigerian artists who are preserving tradition while reimagining it. My contribution lies in bringing the stories of the Egun people into modern conversations about art and identity. By doing so, I help ensure that our experiences - and our resilience - are seen and remembered as part of Nigeria’s artistic evolution.
Q: How did winning the PEEKOK Youth Art Initiative impact your confidence as a young artist?
A: Winning that prize was a defining moment for me. It gave me a sense of validation and encouraged me to trust my instincts. I realized that my art could connect with people beyond my immediate environment. It was more than just an award - it was a sign that my voice mattered and a motivation to keep pushing boundaries.
Q: What particular work marked a turning point in your career?
A: One of the works that marked a major turning point for me is Iye Mi, a piece dedicated to motherhood and the spirit of love and sacrifice. It represents the nurturing power of women and the deep emotional connection between mother and child. That piece helped people see a softer, more emotional side of my storytelling - it brought together love, strength, and identity in one frame.
Title: Iye Mi
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https://tribbbal.com/post/125580_iye-mi.html
Q: How do you see platforms like triBBBal helping artists establish origin and authenticity?
A: Platforms like triBBBal are essential because they help artists maintain provinance. By archiving the stories behind each piece, they ensure that art stays connected to its origin. It’s a new way of protecting heritage while giving artists a global space to be recognized on their own terms.
Q: What should collectors and supporters understand about investing in emerging artists?
A: Collectors need to understand that investing in emerging artists is not just about buying art - it’s about supporting a journey. Every young artist carries a story that contributes to the cultural memory of a generation. Supporting us means believing in something still unfolding - a voice that could shape the future of Art.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring young artists in Nigeria?
A: My advice to aspiring young artists in Nigeria will be “be patient with their growth and stay true to your story. Art isn’t a race - it’s a lifelong conversation. Don’t chase trends; let your roots and experiences inspire your vision. Every struggle you face adds depth to your art. And most importantly, never forget why you started - because passion, authenticity, and persistence will always set you apart.
Conclusion
Sejiro Paul Mesewaku stands as a compelling figure among the emerging generation of Nigerian artists, offering a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. At the heart of his creative journey lies a commitment to truth, heritage, and humanity. His art does more than preserve stories - it rekindles them, giving voice to those whose experiences have shaped the soul of a people. As he continues to explore new forms and narratives, his vision reminds us that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a bridge between memory and meaning.
Platforms like triBBBal play a vital role in amplifying artists like him, ensuring that their stories remain authentic and connected to their origins. Ultimately, Sejiro’s journey serves as a living testament to the advice he offers aspiring artists: “Stay true to your story,” because every brushstroke, every line, and every idea contributes to the evolving narrative of Nigerian and African art.
To learn more about Sejiri Paul Mesewaku, please visit his profile:
https://tribbbal.com/Mesewaku9
